The serenity of night brings us together in this villa. That’s the only time we get to spend with each other and that’s the only time when she listens to me with all her heart. Yesterday night was no different. We talked, fought and even cried till the wee hours of the morning. And she shrugged me aside saying, “Just an hour before the milkman rings the bell. I need to sleep.”
That doorbell is the rudest in this house. Rings at the exact same time oblivious of her health and sleep routines. Well, why blame the lifeless doorbell, nobody in the house seems to care.
The doorbell rang and she pounced out of her bed. In a sleepy voice, I requested, “You sleep a little more. Ramu kaka will open the door.” But she didn’t listen. After all, it was the 1st day of the month and she had to pay him.
She tied her hair in a messy bun while rushing across the hallway and attended to the milkman, simultaneously instructed Ramu kaka to prepare sautéed vegetables, grilled sandwiches, baked beans and fresh apple juice for the breakfast.
Girija Tai was just entering and she muttered under her nose, “Madamji is so blessed. She just needs to order and the work is done.”
I felt like confronting her, “Really?” But she chose to ignore and walked to the garden where the gardener was working. She instructed him about de-weeding, adding new saplings in the kitchen garden and clearing the clutter from the garden. After an hour of supervision, the moment she sat down, Mr. Mehta dropped in, “C’mon sweetheart. You still aren’t ready? We need to go for a jog.”
She resisted, “Our daughter, Vanya is coming home after a year of her marriage. She really misses home-cooked food in USA. I need to make arrangements for her.”
“Oh c’mon. She will come by dinner. You are blessed with so many house-helps. Just instruct them. I don’t want you to put on extra pounds by sitting at home all day long!”
I could have thrown the flower vase on his head but she chose to submit and change into her tracks.
A mile later, Mr. Mehta received a call. A party at the golf club awaited them and the trophy wife, Mrs. Mehta had to accompany.
While driving to the golf club, her eyes chanced upon the puffed bhaturas being fried. I could smell the simmering channas and poked her, “Let’s halt and have a plate here.” But she brushed me aside, “Mr. Mehta will never allow me to eat on a roadside eatery.”
At the party, all the eyeballs were fixed at her, except Mr. Mehta’s. She wanted to bury herself into a corner but her charisma didn’t leave her alone.
By 6 PM, her heels ached and her head spun. I pleaded to take rest and sleep. But she was determined to prepare dum biryani, salan, phirni and kebabs for her daughter, just like Vanya loved. The blend of spices couldn’t be explained or instructed to anyone else. When it came to Vanya, she still doesn’t trust anyone.
Till 9 PM, I silently watched the beauty of love flowing down her neckline in sweat. The doorbell rang and this time it was a welcome view. Vanya rushed to her and hugged her.
After an hour of chit-chatting, laughing and gossiping over dinner, everyone retired to their respected rooms. She dug into the bed and had absolutely turned deaf ear to me. I was trying to wake her up, talk to her and even put in a lesson into her ears but she didn’t respond. Just then, Vanya knocked on the door and she instantly sprang up with a smile.
Vanya hugged her, kissed her palms and thanked her for the delicious spread she prepared even after a tiring day. Vanya apologized for all the times she threw tantrums over food in the past. Vanya thanked her for all the tiresome efforts she put in her and the family. A tear trickled down Vanya’s eyes, “I realise the worth of a stay at home mom only after becoming one.” I was filled with love and her eyes filled with tears.
After ages, I felt alive. After ages, somebody heard me. Somebody has given me food….food to her soul. I make her the woman she is and yet she never listens to me or cares about me. Every night she chooses to ignore me, bury me into her thoughts so that I am destroyed and brutally killed for the world. She chooses everyone else above me. I might appear feeble like a flickering wick but it’s enough to light a fire and such words of appreciation and gratitude add strength to that fire.
The gratitude is a perfect gift for me and for her health and today I will have a good night sleep with her.
“This post is a part of ‘The Woman That I Am’ Blog Hop #TheWomanThatIAm organized by Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul #RRxMM. The Event is sponsored by Kraffitti.”
An apt story of the ever battle between the soul and body of a woman. We never listen to our soul. It is very easy to observe from the outside and criticise a woman for any work she does be it our own husbands or even our children or in laws. No one understands the internal battle that we go through. The ending was beautiful where the daughter finally gave the soul the love it needed.
thank u so much dear for all the appreciation. glad u loved it. 🙂
Wow absolutely brilliant. Very emotional and touching. Loved your narration. You have wonderfully presented the constant tug-of-war between the inner self and the outer facade of a struggling woman. An acknowledgment and a warm hug from the near and dear ones is all it takes to put it to rest.
u summarised it very well.. thank u for giving it a read and sharing ur views. 🙂
Beautifully written the struggle between a soul and a body of a woman. Loved reading
thank u so much for reading it. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Reading you through Bloghop
Must say you are an amazing story writer.
Loved reading your post.
Liked the last sentence of your post – The gratitude is a perfect gift for me.
thank u so much Romilla. glad u loved it. 🙂
This post reminded me I was so thankless about what my parents did for me and especially my mother. When now I am sailing in the same boat, I also realize my mistakes and thank her because she was so patient with me. We never underestimate the value what our parents did for us.
indeed. parents are the biggest gifts and we must appreciate it for a lifetime. 🙂
Beautiful weaved story, mother’s all efforts to welcome her daughter , coming from USA, really made me nostalgic, and took me to the memory lane, when my mom does all her best for me during my visit to India, right from my fav food to update my room and wardrobe. Mother Love is priceless!
glad u could connect with this piece at so many levels. Moms love is indeed unending. 🙂
The soul of a woman is stronger than her and keeps her going. We all ignore her as we tend to put everyone before us. Very beautifully expressed, so sensitive and full of emotions. Loved reading it and connected with it tremendously. Kudos
Deepika Sharma
glad u could connect Deepika. thank u for reading it and sharing your kind words. 🙂
Stay at home mum is the most thankless job in the world which is made out to appear one of the easiest. What does she have to do all day – she has maids! Unfortunately, her job is a never-ending one and there is no one even to hear her protest. You have woven this very well in this piece of fiction.
thank u so much Surbhi. ur words made my day. 🙂
Wow. Simply amazing. I am glad you joined the hop otherwise we would have missed this beautiful piece. You have a gift Supriti ji. The words flow effortlessly and create a picture. Keep writing keep letting that voice inside speak more. Big Hug.
#RRxMM #TheWomanThatIAm
thank u so much Manas. I gave this a final shot at the 11th hour and all because of that last push from both of u. U make wonderfully diligent hosts. Thank u for all your support and encouragement. Ur words just made my day. SupritiJi is too big to handle.. Just Supriti is good. 🙂
Wow, a story that delighted me and gave me a fulfilling thought of gratitude. Every Mom is a God we have to first show gratitude too.
so true. thank u so much dear. 🙂
Gratitude is the best you can give your loved ones. Gratitude to Mom is no less than gratitude to God. Enjoyed reading the story 😊😊😊
thank u so much dear. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Loved the take Supriti. The storytelling style was subtle, I enjoyed it. Lucidly written, you told many things. Lovely story with a deep message. More power to you girl.
thanks a lot Swarnali. U made my day. 🙂
This story was lovely Supriti. I’m amazed at all the stories that I’ve been honored to read in this #TheWomanThatIam #BlogHop. I mostly have mixed emotions about it by the end. Very nicely written Supriti. I loved it 🙂
— rightpurchasing.com
thank u so much. glad u loved it. 🙂
A simple gesture of recognition is all it takes. Help or not, she does everything and no one seems to understand that. Well written. 🙂
yes… appreciation is what encourages u to be a better person every single day. Thank u for reading this post.
Wow…just loved the way you opened the cards at the end…the limping soul…how beautifully woven story…well done!!
thank u so much dear. glad u loved it. 🙂
Touching post
what a lovely gratitude post, no one seriously ever understands what keeps a homemaker busy glad there are few who realize it. A little appreciation is all needed as food for the souls well said.
yes.. it’s indeed tough to realise one’s worth. glad u loved it. 🙂
How beautiful the narrative is! The inner voice trying the communicate through out the day and yet we ignore it so often. Loved the ending of the story.
aww.. thanks for reading it dear. glad u loved it. 🙂
Such a beautiful story. It’s true worth of a woman, be it mother, sister, wife or a daughter is always realised in retrospect.
thank u dear. Glad u stopped by. 🙂
The unheard story of every 3 in 5 woman. These are very sad incidents but they are still happening. I wish things change for our future generations
Urvashi #damurureads
i too hope the same. thank u so much for reading and sharing ur views. 🙂
Women often become the harshest judged of their own ilk, this story was beautifully woven around the difficult terrains we all go through often emotionally , well done.
thank u so much Pooja. glad u loved it. 🙂
The story was lovely..And yes we really understand the true meaning of things once we feel it ourselves.. It was good to see the daughter have gratitude for her mom in the end..It feels bad to be not acknowledge inspite of being the one who makes life smooth for everyone..Lovely expression.. Best wishes always..
thank u so much. glad u loved it. 🙂
What a wonderful story of a woman’s conscience! You have so adeptly made us believe there is someone else in the room! And yes, our conscience is and must be listened to and not brushed aside! A lovely way to bring out how most women always place everything else above themselves, rich or poor. When it comes to putting other people ahead of themselves, women take the prize!
yes. it is ingrained in women. They take pride in sacrificing for others.and that must end. glad u loved it. 🙂
Supriti, it’s lovely! I’m sure if our soul could talk, this is exactly how it would.
Janaki @beyondthefamiliar
aww.. thank u so much, dear. 🙂
This is absolutely brilliant! The story could be of any woman like other stories that we have read during this blog hop but the simple way you have portrayed the “inner voice”, which also makes one curious and interested to read on till the end, was amazing!
thank u so much. gripping a reader is the toughest task and u approving of it, comes as the biggest victory to me. 🙂
Wow!! We don’t give food for the soul and ignore it completely. There are some moments which make it totally worth it but not many women even get that food. Lovely post I must say and it shows the life of a stay at home mom who the world thinks does not do anything.
indeed. food for the soul is the best one and must take care of it diligently. 🙂
Such a beautiful post appreciating all the mothers, who tirelessly sacrifice their entire life for their families.
thank u girl. glad u loved it. 🙂
Full of emotions.A mother’s love is priceless.Such a beautiful post.❤️
Sangya Nagpal
thank u so much. glad u loved it. 🙂
Brilliantly penned. The way you narrated the story had me hooked. Hearing those words from your child could be the balm for soul.
A lil appreciation can do wonders for homemakers and SAHM.
Indeed Poorvi. A little appreciation can go a long way. Thank u so much for ur kind words.:)
This was so beautifully written. And, of course, the judgemental society is always at work!
thank u so much dear. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Loved it, Supriti!! Most often than not, women are not appreciated, let alone celebrated. And are always judged. The soul’s point of view added a unique layer to the story.
thank u so much Ritu. Glad u loved it concluding lines. 🙂
A brilliant take on the prompt Supriti. I loved the way you ended the story. I was moved when her soul was filled with gratitude. Sometimes our kids are the only ones who really appreciate us for who we are!
Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com
Thank u so much Meena. Glad u could connect and relate to it.
This is such a beautiful post Supriti, loved every bit of it, I could actually imagine each and every scene and how we crush our soul every time and then crave for someone to listen to our unsaid words and understand us. Well penned!
So glad u could picturise every word. Thank u for reading and sharing ur views Priyanka. 🙂
You have so brilliantly penned the quest within the woman, that she faces everday. Loved reading it Supriti 😊
thank u so much dear for reading and sharing ur views. 🙂
This was such a heart warming story. Beautiful narration. The way the soul and body of a woman to sit and spend time like friends. Portraying mom’s love and making all of us so nostalgic loved the way you have narrated it. This story was a very heart touching read. Kudos to weave such a beautiful story.
thank u so much dear. Glad u loved it. 🙂
It was lovely reading. thanks for sharing .best wishes for your future post.
thank u so much dear. 🙂
A thoroughly creative way to show how much a woman sacrifices of herself without even realising that she is doing that! A lovely take on the theme.
thank u so much dear. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Woman body and soul always fight with each other .I love the post.
thank u so much dear. 🙂
I just loved your post . You created a scene in front of my eyes . I related it to myself getting up early morning with a jerk when doodhwala rings . Rightly said our soul needs food which we hardly receive amidst fulfilling all responsibilities.
we hope we get more food for thought. thank u for reading and sharing your views. 🙂
Full of emotions.A mother’s love is priceless.Such a beautiful post.❤️
Sangya Nagpal
thank u so much dear 🙂
that’s a very sweet compliment Zenobia. Thank u so much for your kind words. 🙂
Inner voice of a woman talking about her , what a beautiful idea of portraying womanhood. A true force that makes a woman a woman, who is so giving and caring. Who does sacrifice her dreams and identify to make others feel cared.
Thank u so much Shipra for your kind words. Glad u loved it. 🙂
After reading this post I must say you are an amazing story writer. Brilliant piece of writing with an important message. Loved reading it.
thank u so much. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Nice post. We all suffer from this dilemma. It is more difficult for a woman though for she is conditioned to give her family the first priority.
thank u so much. 🙂
How true, and I wish women give as much attention to themselves like they did to everything else. Loved this piece of fiction and the happy ending. Gratitude is the biggest shot of positivity.
Indeed gratitude is the best gift we can gift anyone. Thanks for reading. 🙂
What emotions it touched a chord. Yes every woman struggles. You have written the story so beautifully. Loved it.
thank u so much Preeti. 🙂
Very nice narrative. It’s true we are constantly running around doing things and don’t spend time with ourselves! Lovely!!
thank u so much Sonam. 🙂
That was engrossing and presented so creatively!. We keep suppressing our inner selves, never give it the time of day, suppress our needs and emotions. And little bit of gratitude does go a long way in energizing ourselves
Absolutely.. thank u so much for your kind words. 🙂
This is a great take on the hop. Just love the connect you brought about. It was totally like my inner voice
Thank s alot Meera
such an amazing way of putting the complicated relation between body and soul, every one sees the exterior no one knows what the soul wants sometimes not even the person whom it belongs. beautiful.
Thank u so much for stopping by and giving it a read. Glad u loved it. 🙂
Wow! Beautiful post expressing the love and sacrifice if the mom. Mother can do anything at anytime for their children.
Indeed. glad u loved it. 🙂
Gratitude and love are all a woman wants and craves for. She works tirelessly so a lot of things can function smoothly but people end up giving her their judgements and no one really appreciates, you have really brought the true feelings of a homemaker alive. A wonderful post.
Thank u so much.. glad u loved it. 🙂
Lovely narrative and the words flowed effortlessly… Mothers are always eager to do the best for the kids.
thank u so much. glad u loved it. 🙂
This is an emotional post, so well written and expressed. Gratitude, appreciation, love and the excitement of being close to a loved one. The flow was so smooth, I could read non-stop.
Thank u so much for your kind words dear. 🙂
Brilliantly penned and I absolutely loved it. That’s a unique take on the theme and you have presented it wonderfully. Am glad you finally decided to continue with the blog hop and shared this beautiful piece with us 🙂
Thank u so much Rashi. Glad u loved it.. n its all because of your encouragement that i could continue with it. 🙂